Two classic often-heard works in one program of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
may be justifiable if the performance is so outstanding that it provides a new
experience as though we were hearing them for the first time.

That was
indeed what happened with Julian Rachlin’s rendition of Beethoven’s Violin
Concerto. His approach to this well-known work was entirely fresh, with
nothing routine about it – novel without any attempt at being artificially or
deliberately ordinal, and thus thoroughly enchanting. For instance, in the slow
movement, Rachlin intensely expressed its lyrical spirit; and in the concluding
fast movement he allowed Beethoven’s rare case of exuberant humor to have full
reign. The cadenzas were delivered with brilliant virtuosity.

In Mozart’s
Symphony No. 29, on the other hand, Rachlin appeared to be one of those numerous
ambitious instrumentalists who, at all costs, want to prove that they are
excellent conductors as well. In this respect, Rachlin proved to be his own
stiffest competitor.

Although as a conductor he displayed authoritative
command of the orchestra and incisive articulation, what he achieved was nothing
more than a fairly enjoyable standard rendition of the symphony. In particular,
he seemed blissfully unaware of the fact that Mozart, inter alia also an opera
composer, injected dramatic elements into his symphonies, too.